James Wan Signs 8 Picture Deal with Icon

Writer/director/producer James Wan has closed an eight picture deal with the Icon Entertainment International (IEI), it was announced today by Wan and Hugo Grumbar, Managing Director (International) for Icon, at the Berlin Film Festival.

Wan who is best known for creating and directing the first in the Saw franchise of films which have gone on to gross over $850,000,000 worldwide, will produce two horror films a year under the agreement with Icon. Wan recently sold the film Insidious to Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group at the Toronto Film Festival.

The first picture to be put through the slate is House of Horror, which is based on a story written by James Wan. Max La Bella wrote the screenplay. Javier Gutierrez (Before the Fall) is attached to direct with James Wan and Lee Clay producing.

“I wanted to have the creative freedom and the ability to work with really artistic film makers who can help me bring an original and innovative style of genre films to the public. Paradigm paved the way for this and we have chosen to partner with Icon who are a perfect fit for us,” Wan said.

Icon will handle worldwide sales for the titles and distribute in the UK through theatrical arm Icon Film Distribution. Paradigm and attorney David Fox rep Wan and Paradigm’s Motion Picture Finance Group will package and rep North American rights.